"I had no idea what I was getting into" - LeBron James on playing in the 2004 Olympics

LeBron James is about to play in his fourth and possibly last Olympics. He will be 43 in the next edition, although the Los Angeles Lakers superstar could consider still suiting up then because the tournament will be held in L.A.

However, he is likely looking to make his experience in the Paris Games as memorable as possible by securing his third Olympic gold medal. James might also want to bookend his Olympic career at the top of the podium after his first stint didn't go as planned. LeBron once opened up about his 2004 summer when he was still a wide-eyed wunderkind.

"I had no idea what I was getting into," he said . "I just wanted to have the experience. Everything on the court I didn't expect. But I think I'd do it again."

A forgettable time in Greece

At 19 years old, the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year was tapped to participate in the Olympics 20 years ago along with draft classmates Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade because several stars refused to join Team USA at the time. Among those who reportedly declined to play were Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, and Jason Kidd.

Of course, that meant a spot for LeBron, who was honored to be selected for the national squad. However, the lack of preparation, structure, and discipline, to name a few, factored into the team's third-place finish. The four-time MVP once recalled receiving the bronze medal on the podium as a " waste of time ."

James played just 11.5 minutes per game in the tournament despite being one of the squad's most efficient scorers (59.4% field-goal shooting) and sound playmakers (5.1 assists per 36 minutes). He got a taste of what it was like to play under coach Larry Brown, who had developed a reputation for not putting youngsters at the end of the bench.

Team USA also had to be boarded at the Queen Mary 2 throughout the tournament because of the instability near the region at the time, which may have contributed to Bron's forgettable first Olympic stint.

James on a mission

There was a time when the 20-time All-Star avowed not to represent the U.S. again in international competition, although that may have just been a heat-of-the-moment thing. Fortunately, he changed his mind and donned the Stars and Stripes again.

Following another setback in the 2006 FIBA World Championship, where Team USA went home with another bronze medal, James played a vital role in the Redeem Team's first-place finish in the 2008 Olympics. He was second on the squad in average points and assists.

Four years later, he secured his second gold medal as the Americans' top playmaker. After a 12-year hiatus, LeBron is making another Olympic appearance and on a mission to add another gold medal to his collection.

Related: Zach Lowe on LeBron being Team USA’s most reliable star so far: “Give the ball to LeBron, get out of his way”